Major J S Suri succumbs battling terrorists

BRAVEHEART: Major Suresh Suri laid down his life battling terrorists on Wednesday.
September 24, 2009
Srinagar On October 5, Major J S Suri would have turned 30. He had planned to celebrate his birthday with his wife, S Pallavi, by the picturesque Manasbal lake where his 13 Rashtriya Rifles unit is deployed. Pallavi arrived at the 13 RR regimental centre in Manasbal a few days ago. On Wednesday, Major Suri was killed in a major encounter with militants in Bandipore in North Kashmir. Pallavi is in shock. They were married only last year.

“She seemed to have guessed last night that something was wrong... confusing reports about Maj Suri were coming in from the encounter site,” said an Army officer who was part of the 45-hour operation to flush out the militants holed up on an island on Wular lake.

“She is in a state of shock. Officers and jawans of the unit are trying to console her. It was very difficult for senior officers to break the news to her that Maj Suri had sacrificed his life for the nation.”

Pallavi will return with her husband’s body to his home city Hyderabad.

Four Armymen — Maj Suri and three jawans — were killed after security forces engaged two groups of militants in separate encounters over two days in Bandipore and Rafiabad.

Maj Suri joined the 6 Kumaon regiment in 2001, and was on deputation with 13 RR in Bandipore and Ajas. He had served earlier in the Valley in 2004.

He was married last year and his wife had come down for a short duration to visit him. That is when this encounter took place," said Colonel JS Brar, Army Spokesman, 15 Corps. A resident of Hyderabad, Major Suresh Suri was commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment eight years ago and had been posted to Jammu and Kashmir just one year back.

The braveheart would have turned 30 next month had not the terrorist bullet cut short his promising career. For many this braveheart died young but for his colleagues in Army he will live forever.
Major killed in J and K encounter
Last rites of Army Major killed in J-K performed

On behalf of all Readers and Members of RMS forum, we salute Major Suresh Suri. May his soul rest in peace and inspire the rest of the Nation. We profoundly offer our heartfelt condolences to Pallavi and all family members.

Last Meeting in Mhow

I met him in a bookshop in Mhow. It was an accidental meeting. I had not recognized him. It was he who came forward and asked me shyly, "Excuse me, but aren't you Mukesh who was in Army School Mhow, Class XII, 1997 batch?" "Yes, are you Vikrant?" I had asked. "Yeah man," he had grinned as he shook my hand with vigour. "And what are you doing nowadays?" he had asked. "Oh, I am working with a software company in Bangalore," I had replied. "And you?" I had asked, "I heard that you had joined the Army". "That's right," he had replied, "I have come to Mhow for a three month course". "Listen Vicky," I had told him, "I am here only for two days. And tomorrow is Holi. So I will be busy visiting relatives and getting all laal-peela. But why don't we meet here in the evening? We can spend some time together and remember old times." "Done,” he had replied in his usual cheerful manner.

The next day I was busy visiting relatives, playing Holi and enjoying myself. In the evening I went to the bookshop. Vicky arrived there a bit later. We decided to go for a walk the way we used to when we were in school. Vicky had joined the National Defence Academy in Pune after finishing school and I had joined an engineering course in nearby Indore. We had lost touch with each other. That evening we walked all the way from the Garrison Ground to the Infantry School and then past the Ambedkar Memorial on the AB road and the golf course and came back to town. We bought four bottles of beer and some snacks and went and sat on the grass in the Garrison ground. It would have been embarrassing for Vicky if we had got caught by the Military Police but he was past caring.

He told me about his days at the NDA and the Indian Military Academy. His battalion was posted in the Kashmir Valley and they were having a tough time fighting the Islamic fundamentalists that Pakistan was pushing across the border. He told me that he had already killed eight such terrorists. Was this the same old Vicky who had fainted when he saw Ramesh and his bleeding nose on the cricket field? Vicky had changed. He had become tougher.

He told me that he and our ex-classmate Sunita were engaged to be married. He had met her by chance at a wedding in Delhi. She was working with an MNC. They were intending to get married once Vicky had finished his Kashmir posting. He planned to leave the Army and then both of them would migrate to the West. "Will the Army let you go?" I had asked him. "Yes, that's going to be the difficult part," Vicky had replied, "It is going to be tough to make my commanding officer move the papers forward. The old man is a real grumpy character." "Be careful Vicky," I had told him, "you need all the luck you have and more to survive Kashmir." "Oh, I am not worried," he had replied, "there is only one bullet with my name on it." "What do you mean?" I had asked him, "Do you believe in that shit?" "Believe?" he had shouted, "It is true man, do you know how many times I have been close to death? No bullet in Kashmir has my name on it."

We had got up and walked towards the club. But it was closed. "Oh shit, I wanted to have dinner here," said Vicky with irritation in his voice. "It is okay we will check some civilian restaurants," I had told him. "No, I wanted to eat here,” said Vicky sulking like a child. The club was deserted and we were standing on its lawns under the huge baobab tree. "Hey, have you ever pissed on a lawn?" Vicky asked me with a naughty smile. "Come on Vicky," I had protested, "somebody may see us." In reply, he had unzipped his fly and had started pissing on the green lawn. "Come on!" he had shouted at me "you want a f***ing invitation?" I was reluctant but my bladder was full. I unzipped my fly nervously, but once I started I knew that I wouldn't stop even if a general came and tapped me on the shoulder. The armed guard who stood at the gate pretended he hadn't seen us. We went to the town after that but all the restaurants were closed. So we decided to eat ice cream. I have never seen a grown up man eat as much ice cream as Vicky ate that day. Even the shopkeeper who had seen many a hungry subaltern was taken aback. After the ice cream session Vicky had left for his room. We promised to keep in touch through email. And he promised to send me an invitation for his marriage. I told him to be careful while he was in Kashmir. He had merely grinned in reply.

A few months later I was in New York when I happened to see Sunita at a party. She was happy to see me. But she was not the cheerful person I knew. Before I could ask her about her marriage somebody whisked her away for a dance. I stood there looking at her dance, her heart did not seem to be in it. "Poor girl," said the host as he stood next to me, "she is my niece. Was supposed to marry an Army officer last month. But he got killed in a bomb blast in a Delhi market. He had just finished a tough two year stint in Kashmir. She was supposed to be with him that day but she got delayed. She blames herself for his death. We are trying to keep her here permanently so that her scars heal properly. God help her. She is heartbroken."

Dev Kumar Vasudevan
A Meeting in Mhow

Bomb blast victim Delhi: What a tragic end to a brave Officer! Will he or his family be ever compensated. Dreams of Sunita shattered forever.

Sam Manekshaw Man of destiny Adored by the public

Sam Manekshaw World's Finest Military Leader
Some historical events of far reaching consequences, though widely separated by time and space, have striking similarities. Manekshaw’s refusal to be hustled into attacking East Pakistan during April-May 1971 bears a marked parallel with the refusal by Marshal Kutuzov, the commander-in-chief of Russian armies, to defend Moscow against Napoleon’s march on that city in 1812. Both came under increasing pressure, one from his government, the other from the Czar and his entourage. One refused to defend and the other declined to attack! By refusing to defend Moscow, Kutuzov saved the Russian armies from destruction by Napoleon which eventually saved Russia. Manekshaw by declining to attack East Pakistan in April-May, preserved India’s honour. Both resolutely held on to their professional assessment of the military situation and nothing could make them budge from that position.

A whispering campaign of calumny was mounted against both of them. Manekshaw, they said, had no stomach for a fight and had developed cold feet: such was the refrain of the chattering classes of Delhi’s cock-tail circuit. Kutuzov’s detractors whispered of his senility: he was then in his late seventies. Both ignored such barbs. Manekshaw was faced with the prospect of a war on two fronts with the possibility of the opening up of the third front as well. It was a problem, more complex than what had been the bane of the German General Staff for more than half a century, across two World Wars. He wanted the Himalayan winter to set in so that threat from the North gets recessed, and redeploy troops from that front, against East Pakistan.

Had it been a lesser army chief than Manekshaw, the government would have stampeded him into going over to the offensive in April/ May as it so easily did in the 1962 war against China (recall the order from Nehru to ‘throw the Chinese out’ ), operation Blue Star, misadventure in Sri Lanka and the suicidal frontal attacks at Kargil. Undoubtedly, had India attacked East Pakistan in April-May 1971, without the essential logistics build-up etc, it would have been an unmitigated disaster for the country.

Indian troops won their last great victory against a foreign army of importance in 303 BC, when Chandragupta Maurya’s army defeated Seleucus Nicator: Alexander's general. Now after a period of twenty three hundred years of unremitting defeats for the armies of India against every invading army, Manekshaw made the country experience the glow of a stunning victory. It was a victory worthy to rank amongst the great victories and a campaign as brilliant as any in history.

Magnanimous and forgiving of nature, he exuded captivating charm and his quick wit, light hearted banter and inimitable style of command endeared him to the rank and file and others who came in contact with him. He took seven bullets in his stomach from a Japanese machine gun at the Sittang Bridge and in a critical state was put on the last ship to leave Singapore before it fell to the Japanese. Twice destiny had intervened to pull him from the jaws of death, perhaps for fulfilling a larger mission in life.

Marshal Kutuzov, at the battle of Borodino, had madean unsuccessful attempt to halt the invader’s advance into Russia and had barely managed to save the Russian armies from being destroyed by Napoleon. His strategy, aided by the Russian winter, finally brought about the decimation of Napoleon’s ‘Grand Army’ without a battle. On any working day in Moscow the queue for entry into the cyclorama, depicting the battle of Borodino is half a kilometer long. Marshal Kutuzov is a great national hero to this day. Compare this to the way we dealt with Manekshaw, who had won a stunning victory for India.

The passing away of Manekshaw, a few days ago, was mourned by the nation and the press but ignored by the Government of India, the political class and the chiefs of Air Force and Navy. Earlier he was honoured with the rank of Field Marshal (though opposed by the bureaucracy), in a rather slip-shod manner, where army HQ had to over-night deploy workmen in Chandni Chowk to make the badges of rank and baton of a Field Marshal. His privileges and place in the scheme of things not determined. His pay was fixed at the level of pension of service chief with Rs 500 as additinal allowance!

Though omitted from the government’s Warrant of Precedence, is believed to be just above the service chiefs! Amendment to WoP issued by the Home Ministry in October 2007, lifts chairperson of UPSC from Article 17 (position) to article 9-A placing him above the three service chiefs (so also a Field Marshal) who are at article 12 (12th place). What is chairperson UPSC! Earlier he ranked even below an officiating army chief of the rank of Lt Gen. A Field Marshal continues to skip the WoP!

This warrant of precedence is periodically revised by a committee of three secretaries which is rubber-stamped by the supreme commander of Indian armed forces, who has, not even once, raised a query as to why, this sustained assault on the status of his/her service chiefs and his officers, and why no place for a Field Marshal on this list!

The media which is now so much in praise of the Field Marshal would not, as late as last year, accept an article suggesting the award of Bharat Ratna to him. When high achievers from every walk of life have been honoured with this award why, in this dispensation, is there no place for one of the most eminent soldiers in Indian history. An award given to him in his life time is quite apart from one that may come to him posthumously. Why this total lack of grace, gratitude and decorum on the part of the Government of India; firstly during his life time and now on his passing away. Credit for the only decisive victory in India’s military history still belongs to him!

Lt Gen Harwant Singh (Retd)
Army to Hold Memorial Service on 15 July 2008 for Manekshaw
Sam H.F.J. Manekshaw Key to India's victory in 1971: The New York Times

Matyrs Kin who received Ashok Chakra

Three Army personnel who were awarded the coveted Ashok Chakra, all posthumously, by the President of India on the Republic Day on 26 Jan 2008. These are Col Vasanth V, Captain Harshan R, and Naib Subedar Chuni. These awards were announced last year and received by their next of kin.

Col Vasanth V of 9 Maratha Light Infantry laid down his life in a fire fight when he was personally leading an operation to flush out militants near Uri town in Jammu and Kashmir. He succumbed to his injuries before he reached the hospital. He is survived by his wife Subhashini, two daughters Rukmini and Yeshodha and parents Mr and Mrs Venugopal.

Col Vasanth went to school at many places in Karnataka as his father was working with the LIC. His schooling took him to Mangalore, Ooty, Udupi, Shimoga, Bangalore etc. He graduated from MES College, Bangalore. He was an ardent NCC Cadet and had also participated in a Republic Day parade at Delhi. He also visited Canada on exchange programme through the NCC.

Even as a youngster, he had expressed a desire to be in the army. Being a bright student, he had got selected to do an MBA in the prestigious IIM, but he chose to go to IMA, Dehradun as a Gentleman Cadet.

Col Vasanth – a true idealist and a man of peace – was proud to be an officer of the Indian Army till the very end. He was no armchair idealist. He read widely about military histories and strategy and would take great care to analyse the inscrutable choices that armies have made in history. He attended many seminars and talks, and listened with care to the many different voices of our nation. He was genuinely motivated by sacrifice. He was excited about commanding the 9 Maratha LI and thrilled that he would be joining them on the frontline. For Vasanth, his lifetime commitment was simple – his word and his honour. His personal life always came second.

In 1997, during a discussion with his wife, Subhashini, a Bharatnatyam dancer, Vasanth expressed that there are a lot of people speaking about the soldiers but not many who try to depict the life of the women in their lives. He felt that she should use her talent and her experiences to tell the story of the army wife. This gave the birth to The Silent Front, an organization dedicated to the widows of martyrs. Mrs Suhasini will receive the award bestowed on the gallant officer from the President. The award received by his wife, Mrs Subhashini.

Captain Harshan R was born on 15 Apr 1980 at Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. An alumnus of Sainik School, Kazhakootam, National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla) and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Capt Harshan R volunteered for the Special Forces and was commissioned into 2 PARA (SF) in Dec 2002.

As is known from his Academy days, Harshan was both mentally and physically an outstanding officer. The officer excelled in all his courses, with a special mention to his excellent mountaineering skills which helped him to do exceedingly well in High Altitude Warfare Course. Amongst his other skills, the officer was an under water diver and an excellent cross country runner.

Capt Harshan was a tough officer blessed with uncommon tenacity which reflected in the operations conducted by him and his relentless pursuit of terrorists in the harsh confines of Lolab valley of J & K. The officer established his reputation when in the beginning of Mar 07 he single handedly eliminated two terrorists in an operation that included two top leaders of Hizbul Mujahidin of North Kashmir.

On 20 Mar 2007 the officer received specific input regarding presence of a group of hard core terrorists in Chhoti Margi area of Lolab. Without waiting a moment and despite continuous snowfall the officer rushed to the area with his troops and laid cordon of the house in the early hours of the morning. Taking advantage of a pitch dark night and poor visibility, the terrorists attempted to break cordon. Four terrorists rushed out firing and virtually came face to face with Capt Harshan. Despite being outnumbered Capt Harshan killed one terrorist on the spot, and at the process the officer received a gun shot wound on his neck and fell down. Despite his grievous injuries, the officer continued to engage the remaining terrorists before succumbing and in the process wounded a third terrorist. His valour and supreme courage inspired his colleagues to eliminate the remaining two terrorists in the same operation, one of whom was wounded by the officer. His award received by Mr K Radhakrishnan Nair, the father of this brave officer.

Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, who received Vir Chakra and Sena Medal for gallantry in earlier operations was born on Bhaderwah in 1968. During training he excelled in military subjects, displayed courage and camaraderie and showed potentials of a true soldier and joined 8 JAK LI (SIACHEN). In 1985, when he was a Sepoy, Chuni Lal volunteered for and played a crucial role in capturing the now famous Bana Top (21,153 ft) on Siachen Glacier. For this act of gallantry he was awarded Sena Medal. He became an example to emulate when in Poonch during OPERATION RAKSHAK he fought an attempted intrusion and was instrumental in beating back the attack killing 12 of the intruders. He was awarded Vir Chakra for this act of gallantry.

An asset to the organization, he represented Indian Army twice as United Nations Peacekeepers in SOMALIA in 1992 and SUDAN in 2006. He again displayed his utility and unflinching devotion to duty while serving in the difficult operational situation of Sudan as a peacekeeper. He was at the forefront in the Malakal crisis for which the battalion was awarded United Nations Unit Citation for valour. He excelled professionally and also did instructor tenure at NCC Officers Training Academy, Kamptee.

On 24 June 2007 on information about likely infiltration in Kupwara Sector he re-sited ambushes to block all escape routes. Leading from the front Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, out-maneuvered the terrorists. By killing three terrorists himself, he inspired and facilitated his small team to kill all other terrorists. The twice-decorated hero displayed exemplary gallantry courage of exceptional order and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Army. The award bestowed on him received by his wife Chintha Devi.

Credit: Press Information Bureau of India

Capt Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, was killed on 27 Jan 2008 fighting insurgents in Assam a day after being awarded the Sena Medal, was cremated at his home town in J and K with full military honours.

Chaudhary was killed Sunday afternoon in a counter-insurgency operation in Barapathar village in Assam's Tinsukia district. He had killed two militants of the 28 battalion of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) even after being shot in his neck. He later succumbed to his injuries. Chaudhary was named a recipient of the Sena Medal for gallantry in the awards announced Friday on the eve of the country's Republic Day.

"The award was for an operation in Nabjothi (also in Tinsukia) in July last year in which two militants, including self styled Sgt. Palash Moni, an action group commander of ULFA, were killed," the statement said.

Son of a serving Indian Army officer, Lt. Col. P.L. Chaudhary, Sunil Kumar's brother Ankur is an officer in the Indian Air Force. Chaudhary completed his early education at the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bangalore, graduated from Pune University and was a post-graduate of Garhwal University in Uttarakhand. Commissioned from the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun into the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles on Dec 10, 2004, Chaudhary had excelled in platoon weapons and machine gun courses at the Infantry School, Mhow. Before moving to counter-terrorism operations, he was posted at Kolkata.

Submitted by Mudassir Rizwan on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 11:38. India News By IANS